Slot Machine Having Special Symbol And Control Method Thereof

ABSTRACT

A slot machine of the present invention comprises: a display for arranging thereto a normal symbol and a special symbol having a plurality of payout patterns each with a payout number indicative of a payout value or with an odds number indicative of payout odds; and a controller programmed to execute processing of (B) stop-displaying the payout patterns having been variably displayed, in the case that the special symbol has been rearranged to the display, and (D) determining an amount of special payout based on the payout number and the odds number on the payout pattern stop-displayed in the processing (B).

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit of priority based on U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 61/038,985 filed on Mar. 24, 2008. The contentsof this application are incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a slot machine having special symbolsand a control method thereof.

2. Discussion of the Background

In conventional slot machines, when a player inserts game media such asmedals, coins or bills into an insertion slot of the slot machine andpresses a spin button, then a plurality of symbols are scroll-displayedto a display portion provided on the front surface of a casing and,thereafter, the respective symbols are automatically stopped, asdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,960,133, U.S. Pat. No. 6,012,983, and U.S.Pat. No. 6,093,102. In this case, when scroll-display of respectivesymbols starts by an input from the spin button, symbols are selectedusing random numbers, and the selected symbols are stop-displayed to thedisplay portion. Then, when a combination of the stop-displayed symbolsalong a winning line is a predetermined winning combination (prize), apayout is conducted. As described above, in these slot machines, apayout is varied depending on the positions of displayed symbols.

Further, among conventional slot machines, there are some slot machineswhich conduct two types of payouts which are a payout determinedaccording to the combinations of symbols rearranged along winning linesand a payout determined according to the number of displayed scattersymbols, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,604,999 and US 2002-0065124-A1.In such a slot machine which conducts payouts based on such scattersymbols, there is no relationship between payouts and positions at whichthe scatter symbols are displayed.

Particularly, a slot machine which employs symbols all of which areconstituted by scatter symbols (hereinafter, referred to as anall-scatter type slot machine) employs no concept of winning lines. Thatis, such a slot machine determines payouts regardless of the positionsof symbols displayed to the display portion. As described above, such anall-scatter type slot machine uniquely conducts a payout based on thenumber of displayed symbols, without determining the presence or absenceof the payout or varying an amount of the payout depending on thepositions of displayed symbols. This may make games monotonous, therebycausing a player to get easily bored with games.

The present invention has been devised in view of the aforementionedcircumstances and an object thereof is to provide a slot machineconfigured to rearrange scatter symbols in which a player hardly getsbored, and a control method thereof.

The contents of U.S. Pat. No. 6,960,133, U.S. Pat. No. 6,012,983, U.S.Pat. No. 6,093,102, U.S. Pat. No. 6,604,999 and US 2002-0065124-A1 areincorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The first aspect of the present invention provides a slot machine havingthe following configuration.

Namely, the slot machine comprises: a display for arranging thereto anormal symbol and a special symbol having a plurality of payout patternseach with a payout number indicative of a payout value or with an oddsnumber indicative of payout odds; and a controller. The controller isprogrammed to execute processing of (A) rearranging the normal symboland/or the special symbol to the display, (B) stop-displaying the payoutpatterns having been variably displayed, in the case that the specialsymbol has been rearranged to the display in the processing (A), (C)determining an amount of normal payout based on a number of the normalsymbol for each type, the normal symbol having been rearranged in theprocessing (A), and (D) determining an amount of special payout based onthe payout number and the odds number on the payout patternstop-displayed in the processing (B).

According to the slot machine, a special symbol having a plurality ofpayout patterns each with a payout number indicative of a payout valueor with an odds number indicative of payout odds, as well as a normalsymbol, is rearranged to a display. In the case that the special symbolhas been rearranged to the display, the payout patterns having beenvariably displayed are stop-displayed, and an amount of special payoutis determined based on the payout number and the odds number on thepayout pattern stop-displayed therein. Namely, even in the case that thespecial symbol is rearranged to the display, the payout value is notuniquely determined, but the payout value is varied depending on thepayout number and the odds number on the stop-displayed payout pattern,out of the plurality of payout patterns included in the special symbol.This prevents the game from becoming monotonous, so that the playerhardly gets bored.

Further, since the payout number indicative of the payout value or theodds number indicative of the payout odds is drawn on the payoutpattern, the player can easily recognize the payout value.

Furthermore, not only the payout number indicative of the payout value,but also the odds number indicative of the payout odds is drawn on thepayout pattern. Therefore, in the case that the payout pattern with theodds number drawn thereon is stop-displayed, there is a possibility thatthe amount of special payout is significantly increased. Accordingly,the player can be excited about whether or not the payout pattern withthe odds number drawn thereon is to be stop-displayed, and also, theplayer can be absorbed in the game.

Preferably, the slot machine further has the following configuration.

Namely, a plurality of types of the special symbols are provided, and atleast a single type of the special symbol having at least one payoutpattern with the odds number drawn thereon is provided.

According to the slot machine, since a plurality of types of the specialsymbols is provided, it is possible to increase an interesting aspect ofthe game. Further, since the payout pattern with the odds number drawnthereon is surely provided, it is possible to make the player have asense of expectancy for stop-display of the payout pattern with the oddsnumber drawn thereon, and also to make the player play the game for along period of time.

Preferably, the slot machine further has the following configuration.

Namely, the processing (B) includes processing of (B-1) stop-displaying,in the case that the special symbol is rearranged to the display in theprocessing (A), the payout pattern with the payout number drawn thereonin at least one special symbol, out of the special symbol stop-displayedin the processing (A).

According to the lot machine, the payout pattern with the payout numberdrawn thereon is stop-displayed in at least one special symbol.Therefore, it is possible to prevent the case that only the payoutpattern with the odds number drawn thereon is stop-displayed and theamount of special payout cannot be determined, and also to preventlosing the player's motivation.

The second aspect of the invention provides a slot machine having thefollowing configuration.

Namely, the slot machine comprising: a display for arranging thereto anormal symbol and a special symbol having a plurality of payout patternseach with a payout number indicative of a payout value or with an oddsnumber indicative of payout odds; and a controller. The controller isprogrammed to execute processing of (A) rearranging the normal symboland/or the special symbol having the payout patterns stop-displayedtherein to the display, (B) determining whether or not the specialsymbol in number equal to or more than a fixed number has beenrearranged to the display in the processing (A), (C) stop-displaying thepayout patterns after a variable display thereof, when determining inthe processing (B) that the special symbol in number equal to or morethan the fixed number has been rearranged, (D) determining an amount ofnormal payout based on a number of the normal symbol for each type, thenormal symbol having been rearranged in the processing (A), and (E)determining an amount of special payout based on the payout number andthe odds number on the payout pattern stop-displayed in the processing(C).

According to the slot machine, special symbols having a plurality ofpayout patterns each with a payout number indicative of a payout valueor an odds number indicative of payout odds, as well as normal symbolsare rearranged to the display. Further, when the special symbols innumber equal to or more than a fixed number are rearranged to thedisplay, payout patterns are variably displayed and then stop-displayedtherein. Furthermore, the amount of special payout is determined basedon the payout number and the odds number on the payout patternsstop-displayed therein. Namely, even when the special symbol isrearranged to the display, in the case that the special symbols innumber equal to or more than the fixed number are not rearranged to thedisplay, the payout patterns are not variably displayed therein and theamount of special payout is not determined. This can strongly impressthe existence of special symbols on the player.

Further, even when the payout patterns in the special symbol arevariably displayed, the payout value is not uniquely determined, but thepayout value is varied depending on the payout number and the oddsnumber on the payout patterns stop-displayed therein, out of theplurality of payout patterns included in the special symbols. Thisprevents the game from becoming monotonous, so that the player hardlygets bored.

Further, since the payout number indicative of the payout value or theodds number indicative of the payout odds is drawn on the payoutpattern, the player can recognize the payout value easily.

Furthermore, not only the payout number indicative of the payout value,but also the odds number indicative of the payout odds is drawn on thepayout pattern. Therefore, in the case that the payout pattern with theodds number drawn thereon is stop-displayed, there is a possibility thatthe amount of special payout is significantly increased. Accordingly,the player can be excited about whether or not the payout pattern withthe odds number drawn thereon is to be stop-displayed, and also, theplayer can be absorbed in the game.

The third aspect of the invention provides a control method of a slotmachine, the method having the following configuration.

Namely, the control method of a slot machine comprises steps of: (A)rearranging to a display a normal symbol and/or a special symbol havinga plurality of payout patterns each with a payout number indicative of apayout value or a odds number indicative of payout odds; (B)stop-displaying the payout patterns having been variably displayed, inthe case that the special symbol has been rearranged to the display inthe step (A); (C) determining an amount of normal payout based on anumber of the normal symbol for each type, the normal symbol having beenrearranged in the step (A), and (D) determining an amount of specialpayout based on the payout number and the odds number on the payoutpattern stop-displayed in the step (B).

According to the control method of the slot machine, a special symbolhaving a plurality of payout patterns each with a payout numberindicative of a payout value or with an odds number indicative of payoutodds, as well as a normal symbol, is rearranged to a display. In thecase that the special symbol has been rearranged to the display, thepayout patterns having been variably displayed are stop-displayed, andan amount of special payout is determined based on the payout number andthe odds number on the payout pattern stop-displayed therein. Namely,even in the case that the special symbol is rearranged to the display,the payout value is not uniquely determined, but the payout value isvaried depending on the payout number and the odds number on thestop-displayed payout pattern, out of the plurality of payout patternsincluded in the special symbol. This prevents the game from becomingmonotonous, so that the player hardly gets bored.

Further, since the payout number indicative of the payout value or theodds number indicative of the payout odds is drawn on the payoutpattern, the player can easily recognize the payout value.

Furthermore, not only the payout number indicative of the payout value,but also the odds number indicative of the payout odds is drawn on thepayout pattern. Therefore, in the case that the payout pattern with theodds number drawn thereon is stop-displayed, there is a possibility thatthe amount of special payout is significantly increased. Accordingly,the player can be excited about whether or not the payout pattern withthe odds number drawn thereon is to be stop-displayed, and also, theplayer can be absorbed in the game.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is an exemplary view of a symbol matrix.

FIG. 1B is another exemplary view of a symbol matrix.

FIG. 1C is another exemplary view of a symbol matrix.

FIG. 1D is another exemplary view of a symbol matrix.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an external appearance of aslot machine of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a view illustrating symbols displayed to respective displayblocks and the code Nos. of the respective symbols.

FIG. 4A is a view illustrating payout patterns displayed in specialsymbols and code Nos. of the respective payout patterns.

FIG. 4B is a view illustrating payout patterns displayed in firstspecial symbols and code Nos. of the respective payout patterns.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of theslot machine illustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of an activationprocessing.

FIG. 7 is a view illustrating a peripheral-device initializationprocessing.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of symbol determinationprocessing.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of symbol determinationprocessing.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of scroll-displaycontrol processing.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of payout processing.

FIG. 12 is a view illustrating a relationship between a plurality oftypes of prizes and the numbers of coin-outs.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of scroll-displaycontrol processing according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of payout processingaccording to the second embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS First Embodiment

FIGS. 1A to 1D are exemplary views each illustrating a symbol matrix.

The symbol matrix SM illustrated in FIGS. 1A to 1D is displayed to alower image display panel 16 (a display according to the presentinvention) included in a slot machine 10 (see FIG. 2). Display blocks 28are capable of rearranging 15 symbols therein in total, along three rowsand five columns. In the display blocks 28, a normal symbol and aspecial symbol having a plurality of payout patterns each with a payoutnumber indicative of a payout value or an odds number indicative ofpayout odds drawn thereon are rearranged.

In the following description, both the normal symbol and the specialsymbol will be simply referred to as symbols.

When a player presses a spin button 23 (see FIG. 3) included in the slotmachine 10, scrolling of symbols is started in the symbol matrix SM, asillustrated in FIG. 1A.

Thereafter, as illustrated in FIG. 1B, 15 symbols are rearranged. Normalsymbols such as “BELL” and “CHERRY” are stop-displayed, while specialsymbols are displayed such that payout patterns are scroll-displayed inthe special symbols.

Thereafter, as illustrated in FIG. 1C, the payout patterns having beenscroll-displayed in the special symbol are stop-displayed. The payoutnumber on the payout pattern stop-displayed in a payout display frame201 indicates a payout value and the odds number on the payout patternstop-displayed in the payout display frame 201 indicates payout odds.Further, a value obtained by multiplying a total sum of the payout valueby the payout odds is paid out as the special payout. On the payoutpattern stop-displayed in the payout display frame 201 of a firstspecial symbol 202, the odds number indicative of the payout odds of twoto one is drawn. Further, on the payout pattern stop-displayed in thepayout display frame 201 of a second special symbol 200A, the payoutnumber indicating that 50 coins are to be paid out is drawn. On thepayout pattern stop-displayed in the payout display frame 201 of asecond special symbol 200B, the payout number indicating that 100 coinsare to be paid out is drawn. On the payout pattern stop-displayed in thepayout display frame 201 of a second special symbol 200C, the payoutnumber indicating that 50 coins are to be paid out is drawn.

In the case that the payout patterns are stop-displayed as shown in FIG.1C, 400 coins, that is a value obtained by multiplying the total sum ofthe payout numbers by the odds number, are paid out as the specialpayout. Further, as shown in FIG. 1D, an amount-of-special-payoutdetermination image 203 indicating that 400 coins are to be paid out asthe special payout is displayed below the symbol matrix SM.

Here, in the case that numbers drawn on the payout patternsstop-displayed in the payout display frames 201 are the payout numbersonly, the total sum of the payout numbers are paid out as the specialpayout.

In the following, the first special symbol 202 and the second specialsymbol 200 are simply referred to as the special symbols.

There has been given a general description of the first embodiment, withreference to FIGS. 1A to 1D. Further, a normal payout based on thenormal symbol will be specifically described in the followingdescription.

Next, the configuration of the slot machine 10 will be described.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the external appearance of theslot machine according to the present embodiment.

The slot machine 10 employs coins, bills or electronic valuableinformation corresponding thereto, as a game medium. However, in thepresent invention, a game medium is not particularly limited, andexamples thereof may include a medal, a token, electronic money and aticket. In addition, the ticket is not particularly limited, andexamples thereof may include a ticket with a barcode, which will bedescribed later, and the like.

The slot machine 10 includes a cabinet 11, a top box 12 installed on theupper side of the cabinet 11, and a main door 13 provided on a frontsurface of the cabinet 11.

A lower image display panel 16 is provided as a display on the main door13. The lower image display panel 16 includes a transparent liquidcrystal display panel that displays 15 display blocks 28 in five columnsand three rows. Each display block 28 has one symbol displayed therein.

Further, a number-of-credits display portion 31 and a number-of-payoutsdisplay portion 32 are set to the lower image display panel 16. Thenumber-of-credits display portion 31 displays an image indicative of thenumber of coins being credited. The number-of-payouts display portion 32displays an image indicative of the number of coin-outs.

Further, a touch panel 69, although not illustrated, is provided on afront surface of the lower image display panel 16, and a player caninput various types of commands by operating the touch panel 69.

Below the lower image display panel 16, there are provided a controlpanel 20 comprising a plurality of buttons 23 to 27 which enable theplayer to input commands relating to the game progress, a coin receivingslot 21 through which a coin is accepted into the cabinet 11, and a billvalidator 22.

The control panel 20 is provided with a spin button 23, a change button24, a CASHOUT button 25, a 1-BET button 26 and a maximum BET button 27.The spin button 23 is for inputting a command for starting scrolling ofsymbols. The change button 24 is used for making a request to staff ofthe recreation facility for exchange. The CASHOUT button 25 is forinputting a command for payout of credited coins into a coin tray 18.

The 1-BET button 26 is for inputting a command for betting a single coinon a game out of credited coins. The maximum BET button 27 is forinputting a command for betting, on a game, a maximum number of coins(50 coins, in the present embodiment) which can be BET on a single game,out of credited coins.

The bill validator 22 not only discriminates a regular bill from a falsebill, but also accepts the regular bill into the cabinet 11. It shouldbe noted that the bill validator 22 may be configured so as to becapable of reading a later-described ticket 39 with a barcode. On afront surface of the lower portion of the main door 13, namely below thecontrol panel 20, there is provided a belly glass 34 on which acharacter of the slot machine 10 and the like is drawn.

On a front surface of the top box 12, an upper image display panel 33 isprovided. The upper image display panel 33 includes a liquid crystalpanel which displays, for example, images indicative of introduction ofthe contents of a game and explanation of the rules of games.

Further, speakers 29 are provided in the top box 12. Below the upperimage display panel 33, there are provided a ticket printer 35, a cardreader 36, a data display 37 and a keypad 38. The ticket printer 35prints, on a ticket, a barcode as coded data of the number of credits,date, an identification number of the slot machine 10 and the like, andoutputs the ticket as the ticket 39 with a barcode. The player can makeanother slot machine read the ticket 39 with a barcode to play a game onthe slot machine, or can exchange the ticket 39 with a barcode to billsand the like at a predetermined location in the recreation facility (forexample, a cashier in a casino).

The card reader 36 reads and writes data from and into a smart card. Thesmart card is a card owned by a player and stores, for example, data foridentifying the player and data about the history of games having beenplayed by the player. The smart card may store data corresponding to acoin, a bill or a credit. Also, instead of the smart card, a magneticstripe card may be used. The data display 37 is comprised of, forexample, a fluorescent display and displays, for example, data readthrough the card reader 36 and data inputted through the key pad 38 bythe player. The key pad 38 is used for inputting commands and datarelating to issuing tickets.

Further, although, in the present embodiment, there has been describedthe case where 15 symbols are displayed along five columns and threerows, the display of symbols according to the present invention is notlimited to display along five columns and three rows. Further, although,in the present embodiment, there has been described the case symbols arescrolled along the respective columns, individual symbols may beindependently scroll-displayed.

Further, although not illustrated, various types of images relating toeffects, in addition to the aforementioned images, are displayed to thelower image display panel 16.

FIG. 3 is a view illustrating symbols displayed in the respectivedisplay blocks and the code Nos. of the respective symbols.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, in each display block 28, there is scrolled asymbol sequence consisting of 22 symbols in total, each of which has oneof the code numbers “00” to “21”. Each of the symbol sequences consistsof a combination of symbols of “FIRST SPECIAL SYMBOL 202”, “SECONDSPECIAL SYMBOL 200”, “BLUE 7”, “BELL”, “CHERRY”, “STRAWBERRY”, “PLUM”,and “ORANGE”. “BLUE 7”, “BELL”, “CHERRY”, “STRAWBERRY”, “PLUM” and“ORANGE” correspond to normal symbols according to the presentinvention. These symbols are all scatter symbols, and coins are paid outon the basis of the numbers of these symbols displayed in the displayblocks 28 at the time of rearrangement.

FIG. 4A is a view illustrating payout patterns displayed in the specialsymbols and code Nos. of the respective payout patterns.

As illustrated in a payout-pattern determination table A in FIG. 4A,total of six payout patterns each having one of code Nos. of “100” to“105” are scrolled in the respective special symbols. In the firstspecial symbol 202, the payout pattern with the odds number indicativeof the payout odds drawn thereon is provided. In the second specialsymbol 200, the payout pattern with the odds number indicative of thepayout odds drawn thereon is not provided and only the payout patternseach with the payout number indicative of the payout value drawn thereonare included.

Further, while, in the present embodiment, there has been described acase where the number of payout patterns is six, the number of payoutpatterns according to the present invention is not particularly limitedand may be 10, for example.

FIG. 4B is a view illustrating payout patterns displayed in the firstspecial symbol and code Nos. of the respective payout patterns.

As illustrated in a payout-pattern determination table B in FIG. 4B,total of three payout patterns each having one of code Nos. of “200” to“202” are scrolled in the first special symbol 202. Not like the case ofthe payout-pattern determination table A, in the payout-patterndetermination table B, the payout pattern with the odds numberindicative of the payout odds drawn thereon is not provided and only thepayout patterns each with the payout number indicative of the payoutvalue are included in the first special symbol 202.

Further, while, in the present embodiment, there has been described acase where the number of payout patterns is three, the number of payoutpatterns according to the present invention is not particularly limitedand may be 10, for example.

Furthermore, while, in the present embodiment, there has been describeda case where the number of payout-pattern determination table is two,the number of payout-pattern determination table according to thepresent invention is not particularly limited and may by 5, for example.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the internal configuration of theslot machine illustrated in FIG. 2.

A gaming board 50 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 51, a ROM 55and a boot ROM 52 which are interconnected to one another via aninternal bus, a card slot 53S corresponding to a memory card 53, and anIC socket 54S corresponding to a GAL (Generic Array Logic) 54.

The memory card 53 comprises a nonvolatile memory such as CompactFlash(registered trademark) and stores a game program. The game programincludes a symbol determination program. The symbol determinationprogram is a program for determining a symbol (code No. corresponding toa symbol) to be rearranged in each of the display blocks 28. Further,the game program includes a payout-pattern determination program. Thepayout-pattern determination program is a program for determining thepayout pattern (code No. associated with the payout pattern) to berearranged in the special symbol.

Further, the card slot 53S is configured so as to allow the memory card53 to be inserted thereinto and ejected therefrom, and is connected to amother board 40 via an IDE bus. Accordingly, it is possible to changethe type and the contents of a game to be executed by the slot machine10 by ejecting the memory card 53 from the card slot 53S, writing adifferent game program onto the memory card 53 and inserting the memorycard 53 into the card slot 53S. The game program includes a programrelating to the progress of a game. Further, the game program includesimage data and sound data to be output during the game.

The CPU 51, the ROM 55 and the boot ROM 52 which are interconnected toone another via the internal bus are connected to the mother board 40via a PCI bus. The PCI bus transfers a signal between the mother board40 and the gaming board 50 and also supplies electricity from the motherboard 40 to the gaming board 50.

The mother board 40 comprises a commercially-available general-purposemother board (a printed wiring board with basic components of a personalcomputer mounted thereon), and includes the main CPU 41, a ROM (ReadOnly Memory) 42, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 43 and a communicationinterface 44. The mother board 40 corresponds to a controller accordingto the present invention.

The ROM 42 comprises a memory device such as a flash memory and storesprograms of a BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) and the like to beexecuted by the main CPU 41 and also stores permanent data. When theBIOS is executed by the main CPU 41, processing for initializingpredetermined peripheral devices is conducted, concurrently with startof processing for loading a game program stored in the memory card 53through the gaming board 50. Further, in the present invention, the ROM42 may be or may not be a content rewritable one.

Further, the ROM 42 stores numerical data indicative of a fixed number.

Further, the ROM 42 stores a table indicative of a correspondencerelationship between the symbol to be displayed in each of the displayblock and the code No. of each symbol, and the payout-patterndetermination table A and the payout-pattern determination table B eachindicative of a correspondence relationship between the payout patternto be displayed in the special symbol and the code No. of each payoutpattern.

The RAM 43 stores data to be used upon operating the main CPU 41, andprograms such as the symbol determination program and the payout-patterndetermination program. Further, the RAM 43 can store a game program.

Further, the RAM 43 stores data about the code Nos. of the symbols, thecode Nos. of the payout patterns, an amount of normal payout, an amountof special payout, a total sum of the payout numbers drawn on the payoutpatterns, the number of credits, a number of coin-ins and a number ofcoin-outs per game, and the like.

Further, a body PCB (Printed Circuit Board) 60 and a door PCB 80, whichwill be described later, are connected to the mother board 40 throughrespective USBs. Further, a power-supply unit 45 is connected to themother board 40.

The body PCB 60 and the door PCB 80 are connected with equipment anddevices that generate input signals to be inputted to the main CPU 41and equipment and devices operations of which are controlled by controlsignals outputted from the main CPU 41. The main CPU 41 executes a gameprogram stored in the RAM 43 based on the input signal inputted to themain CPU 41, thereby executes the predetermined arithmetic processingand stores a result thereof in the RAM 43, or transmits a control signalto each of the equipment and devices as processing for controlling eachof the equipment and devices.

A lamp 30, a hopper 66, a coin detecting portion 67, a graphic board 68,the speakers 29, the touch panel 69, the bill validator 22, the ticketprinter 35, the card reader 36, a key switch 38S and the data display 37are connected to the body PCB 60. The lamp 30 lights up in apredetermined pattern on the basis of a control signal outputted fromthe main CPU 41.

The hopper 66 is installed inside the cabinet 11 and pays out apredetermined number of coins to the coin tray 18 through a coin payoutexit 19 on the basis of control signals outputted from the main CPU 41.The coin detection portion 67 is provided inside the coin payout exit 19and outputs an input signal to the main CPU 41 upon detecting apredetermined number of coins being paid out from the coin payout exit19.

The graphic board 68 controls an image display to the upper imagedisplay panel 33 and the lower image display panel 16, on the basis of acontrol signal outputted from the main CPU 41. The lower image displaypanel 16 displays in each of the display blocks 28 a symbol that isscrolled or stopped. The number-of-credits display portion 31 of thelower image display panel 16 displays the number of credits stored inthe RAM 43. Further, the number-of-payouts display portion 32 of thelower image display panel 16 displays the number of coin-outs.

The graphic board 68 includes a VDP (Video Display Processor) forgenerating image data on the basis of a control signal outputted fromthe main CPU 41, a video RAM for temporarily storing the image datagenerated by the VDP, and the like. Further, such image data for use ingeneration of the image data by the VDP is included in a game programwhich is read from the memory card 53 and stored in the RAM 43.

The bill validator 22 discriminates a regular bill from a false bill,and also accepts the regular bill into the cabinet 11. The billvalidator 22, upon receiving a regular bill, outputs an input signal tothe main CPU 41 on the basis of the face amount of the bill. The mainCPU 41 stores in the RAM 43 a number of credits corresponding to theface amount of the bill transmitted with the input signal.

The ticket printer 35 prints on a ticket a barcode as coded data of thenumber of credits stored in the RAM 43, date, an identification numberof the slot machine 10, and the like, and outputs the ticket as theticket 39 with a barcode.

The card reader 36 reads data from a smart card and transmits the datato the main CPU 41, or writes data into the smart card on the basis of acontrol signal from the main CPU 41. The key switch 38S is provided onthe key pad 38 and outputs a predetermined input signal to the main CPU41 when the player operates the key pad 38. The data display 37 displaysdata read by the card reader 36 or data inputted through the key pad 38by the player, on the basis of a control signal outputted from the mainCPU 41.

The control panel 20, a reverter 21S, a coin counter 21C and a coldcathode tube 81 are connected to the door PCB 80. The control panel 20is provided with a spin switch 23S corresponding to a spin button 23, achange switch 24S corresponding to the change button 24, a CASHOUTswitch 25S corresponding to the CASHOUT button 25, a 1-BET switch 26Scorresponding to the 1-BET button 26, and a maximum BET switch 27Scorresponding to the maximum BET button 27. The respective switches 23Sto 27S output input signals to the main CPU 41, when the player operatesthe buttons 23 to 27 corresponding thereto.

The coin counter 21C is provided inside the coin receiving slot 21 anddiscriminates a regular coin from a false coin inserted into the coinreceiving slot 21 by the player. Coins other than regular coins aredischarged from the coin payout exit 19. Further, the coin counter 21Coutputs an input signal to the main CPU 41, upon detecting a regularcoin.

The reverter 21S operates on the basis of a control signal outputtedfrom the main CPU 41 and distributes coins identified by the coincounter 21C as regular coins into a cash box (not illustrated) or thehopper 66, which are installed inside the slot machine 10. Namely, whenthe hopper 66 is filled with coins, a regular coin is distributed intothe cash box by the reverter 21S. On the other hand, when the hopper 66is not filled with coins, a regular coin is distributed into the hopper66. The cold cathode tube 81 functions as a backlight installed on therear face side of the lower image display panel 16 and the upper imagedisplay panel 33 and lights up on the basis of a control signaloutputted from the main CPU 41.

[Activation Processing]

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of an activationprocessing. The activation processing is performed in the mother board40 and the gaming board 50. It is to be noted that the memory card 53 isinserted into the card slot 53S in the gaming board 50 and the GAL 54 ismounted on the IC socket 54S.

First, when the power switch is turned on (the power is turned on) inthe power unit 45, the mother board 40 and the gaming board 50 areactivated (steps S1-1, S2-1). When the mother board 40 and the gamingboard 50 are activated, separate processing are executed in parallel.Namely, in the gaming board 50, the CPU 51 reads an auxiliaryauthentication program stored in the boot ROM 52 and conducts auxiliaryauthentication according to the read auxiliary authentication program,to previously check and prove that an authentication program is notfalsified before loading the program to the mother board 40 (step S2-2).Meanwhile, in the mother board 40, the main CPU 41 executes the BIOSstored in the ROM 42, and expands compressed data which is incorporatedin the BIOS into the RAM 43 (step S1-2). The main CPU 41 then executesthe BIOS expanded into the RAM 43 to diagnose and initialize a varietyof peripheral devices (step S1-3). The processing in step S1-3 will bespecifically described later with reference to drawings.

Since the ROM 55 of the gaming board 50 is connected to the main CPU 41via the PCI bus, the main CPU 41 reads the authentication program storedin the ROM 55, and stores the read authentication program into the RAM43 (steps S1-4). At this time, according to the standard BIOS functionof BIOS, the main CPU 41 takes a checksum by ADDSUM system (normalchecking system) and stores the authentication program into the RAM 43,while conducting processing for confirming whether or not the storage iscertainly conducted.

Next, after confirming what is connected to the IDE bus, the main CPU 41accesses, via the IDE bus, the memory card 53 inserted in the card slot53S, to read a game program and a game system program from the memorycard 53. In this case, the main CPU 41 reads data constituting the gameprogram and the game system program by 4 bytes. Subsequently, the mainCPU 41 conducts authentication to check and prove that the read gameprogram and game system program have not been falsified, following theauthentication program stored in the RAM 43 (step S1-5). When thisauthentication processing is normally completed, the main CPU 41 writesand stores the game program and the game system program, which have beenthe authentication targets (which have been authenticated), into the RAM43 (step S1-6). Next, the main CPU 41 accesses, via the PCI bus, the GAL54 mounted on the IC socket 54S, reads payout ratio setting data fromthe GAL 54, and writes and stores the data into the RAM 43 (step S1-7).Subsequently, the main CPU 41 conducts processing for reading countryidentification information stored in the ROM 55 of the gaming board 50via the PCI bus, and writes and stores the read country identificationinformation into the RAM 43 (step S1-8).

After conducting the above-mentioned processing, the main CPU 41sequentially reads and executes the game program and the game systemprogram, thereby execute a game execution processing.

FIG. 7 is a view illustrating peripheral-device initializationprocessing.

First, the main CPU 41 diagnoses and initializes a display (step S3-2).In the processing, the main CPU 41 transmits a request signal to thegraphic board 68. Then, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not tohave received a predetermined response signal and conducts clearance ofa predetermined storage area, and the like.

Next, the main CPU 41 diagnoses and initializes various types of inputdevices (step S3-3). In this processing, the main CPU 41 transmitsrequest signals to the input devices such as the spin switch 23S, thechange switch 24S, the CASHOUT switch 25S, the 1-BET switch 26S, themaximum BET switch 27S, and the touch panel 11, and then determineswhether or not to have received predetermined response signals.

Subsequently, the main CPU 41 diagnoses and initializes other peripheraldevices connected to the main CPU 41 (step S3-4). Then the presentsubroutine is terminated.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of game executionprocessing.

In the game execution processing, at first, the main CPU 41 determineswhether or not a coin has been BET (step S10). In this processing, themain CPU 41 determines whether or not to have received an input signaloutputted from the 1-BET switch 26S when the 1-BET button 26 is operatedor an input signal outputted from the maximum BET switch 27S when themaximum BET button 27 is operated. When determining that a coin has notbeen BET, the main CPU 41 returns the processing to step S10.

On the other hand, when determining in step S10 that a coin has beenBET, the main CPU 41 executes processing of making a subtraction fromthe number of credits stored in the RAM 43 according to the number ofBET coins (step S11). Further, when the number of BET coins is largerthan the number of credits stored in the RAM 43, the main CPU returnsthe processing to step S10, without executing the processing of making asubtraction from the number of credits stored in the RAM 43. Further,when the number of BET coins exceeds an upper limit value of coins thatcan be BET on a single game (50 coins, in the present embodiment), theprocessing is carried forward to step S12, without executing theprocessing of making a subtraction from the number of credits stored inthe RAM 43.

Next, in step S12, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not the spinbutton 23 has been turned on. In this processing, the main CPU 41determines whether or not to have received an input signal outputtedfrom the spin switch 23S when the spin button 23 is pressed.

When it is determined that the spin button 23 has not been turned on,the processing is returned to step S10. Further, when the spin button 23has not been turned on (for example, when a command for ending a game isinputted without turning on the spin button 23), the main CPU 41 cancelsthe result of the subtraction in step S11.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S12 that the spinbutton 23 has been turned on, the processing is shifted to step S13.

Next, in step S13, the main CPU 41 executes symbol determinationprocessing. In the symbol determination processing, the main CPU 41determines a code No. of the symbol on stopping by executing the symboldetermination program stored in the RAM 43.

Here, the processing in step S13 will be specifically described laterwith reference to drawings.

In step S14, the main CPU 41 executes scroll-display control processing.

The processing is processing of display control for rearranging thesymbol determined in step S13 after scroll of symbols is started.

Here, the processing in step S14 will be specifically described laterwith reference to drawings.

In step S15, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not a prize has beenestablished. When determining that a prize has been established, in stepS16, the main CPU 41 pays out coins on the basis of the number ofcoin-ins and the types and the numbers of the symbols displayed in thedisplay blocks 28. Here, the case where a prize has been established isa case where three or more normal symbols of the same type have beendisplayed in the display blocks 28 or a case where one or more specialsymbols have been displayed in the display blocks 28.

Further, the processing in step S16 will be specifically described laterwith reference to the drawings.

When it is determined in step S15 that a prize has not been establishedor when the processing in step S16 has been executed, the presentsubroutine is terminated.

Further, while, in the present embodiment, there has been described acase where the special payout is provided in the case that one or morespecial symbols are displayed in the display blocks 28, in the presentinvention, the special payout can be provided in the case that specialsymbols in number equal to or more than the fixed number are displayedin the display blocks 28. Further, in the case that special symbols innumber equal to or more than the fixed number are not displayed, payoutpatterns having been variably displayed in special symbols may be notstop-displayed.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of the symboldetermination processing which is called and executed in step S13 of thesubroutine illustrated in FIG. 8. This processing is processing executedby the main CPU 41 through executing the symbol determination programand the payout-pattern determination program stored in the RAM 43.

At first, the main CPU 41 selects random numbers corresponding torespective columns of symbols, out of the numerical range of 0 to 255,by executing a random-number generation program included in the symboldetermination program (step S20). The present embodiment describes thecase of generating random numbers on a program (the case of usingso-called software random numbers). However, in the present invention, arandom number generator may be provided, and random numbers may beextracted from the random number generator (so-called software randomnumbers may be used).

Next, the main CPU 41 determines code Nos. for the respective columns ofsymbols (see FIG. 3), on the basis of the selected five random numbers(step S21). The code Nos. for the respective columns of symbolscorrespond to the code Nos. of symbols to be rearranged in the displayblocks 28 in the second row, out of the display blocks 28 arranged inthe three rows. The main CPU 41 determines a prize by determining codeNos. for the respective columns of symbols. Further, the main CPU 41stores the determined code Nos. for the respective columns of symbols inthe RAM 43.

Next, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not a code No. correspondingto a special symbol has been determined in the processing in step S21(step S22). When determining in step S22 that a code No. correspondingto a special symbol has not been determined, the main CPU 41 terminatesthe present subroutine. When determining in step S22 that a code No.corresponding to a special symbol has been determined, the main CPU 41shifts the processing to step S23.

Subsequently, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not a code No.corresponding to the second special symbol has been determined in stepS21 (step S23). When determining in step S23 that a code No.corresponding to the second special symbol has been determined, the mainCPU 41 shifts the processing to step S24.

The main CPU 41 selects a random number corresponding to each payoutpattern in the special symbol, out of a numerical range from 0 to 255,by executing a random-number generation program included in thepayout-pattern determination program, and then, determines the code No.(see FIG. 4A) of the payout pattern in the special symbol based on theselected random number, with reference to the payout-patterndetermination table A (step S24). The code No. of the payout patterncorresponds to the code No. of the payout pattern to be stop-displayedin the payout display frame 201. Then, the main CPU 41 stores thedetermined code No. of the payout pattern in the RAM 43. Further, in thecase that a plurality of code Nos. corresponding to the special symbolshave been determined in the processing in step S21, the processing instep S24 is executed for each of the special symbols.

On the other hand, when determining in step S23 that the code No.corresponding to the second special symbol has not been determined, themain CPU shifts the processing to step S25. The main CPU 41 selects arandom number corresponding to each payout pattern in the first specialsymbol, out of a numerical range from 0 to 255, by executing arandom-number generation program included in the payout-patterndetermination program, and then, determines the code No. (see FIG. 4B)of the payout pattern in the first special symbol based on the selectedrandom number, with reference to the payout-pattern determination tableB (step S25). The code No. of the payout pattern corresponds to the codeNo. of the payout pattern to be stop-displayed in the payout displayframe 201. Further, the main CPU 41 stores the determined code No. ofthe payout pattern in the RAM 43. Here, in the case that a plurality ofcode Nos. corresponding to the first special symbols have beendetermined in step S21, the processing in step S25 is conducted for eachfirst special symbol.

In the case of executing processing in step S24 or step S25, the mainCPU 41 terminates the present subroutine.

Further, while, in the present embodiment, there has been described acase where code Nos. of the payout patterns in all the first specialsymbols are determined with reference to the payout patterndetermination table B in the case that the code No. corresponding to thesecond special symbol has not been determined, in the present invention,in the case that the code No. corresponding to the second special symbolhas not been determined and code Nos. corresponding to a plurality ofthe first special symbols have been determined, a code No. of the payoutpattern in a single first special symbol may be determined withreference to the payout-pattern determination table B and the code Nos.of the payout patterns in the rest of the first special symbols may bedetermined with reference to the payout-pattern determination table A.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of scroll-displaycontrol processing which is called and executed in step S14 of thesubroutine illustrated in FIG. 8.

At first, the main CPU 41 starts scroll-display of all symbols includedin the symbol matrix SM to the lower image display panel 16 (step S30).Next, the main CPU 41 rearranges symbols based on the code Nos. for therespective columns of symbols determined in step S13 (step S31).

In the case that the special symbol is rearranged, payout patterns arescroll-displayed in the special symbol.

The main CPU 41 determines whether or not the special symbol has beenrearranged in step S31 (step S32). When determining in step S32 that thespecial symbol has not been rearranged, the main CPU 41 terminates thepresent subroutine. On the other hand, when determining in step S32 thata special symbol has been rearranged, the main CPU 41 shifts theprocessing to step S33.

The main CPU 41 stop-displays a payout pattern in the special symbolbased on the code No. of the payout pattern determined in step S13 (stepS33).

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of payout processingwhich is called and executed in step S16 of the subroutine illustratedin FIG. 8.

At first, the main CPU 41 determines an amount of normal payout based onthe normal symbols (step S40). Then, the main CPU 41 stores thedetermined amount of normal payout in the RAM 43.

Hereinafter, prizes based on the normal symbols according to the presentembodiment will be described.

FIG. 12 is a view illustrating a relationship between a plurality oftypes of prizes and the numbers of coin-outs.

When three or more normal symbols of any type are stop-displayed in thedisplay blocks 28, coins in number illustrated in FIG. 12 are paid out.

For example, when three “CHERRYs” are stop-displayed in the displayblocks 28, two coins are paid out. When four “CHERRYs” arestop-displayed in the display blocks 28, four coins are paid out.Further, when six or more “CHERRYs” are stop-displayed in the displayblocks 28, 2×(n−2) coins are paid out. Here, “n” represents the numberof “CHERRYs” stop-displayed in the display blocks 28. However, in thecase that three or more symbols of any type have not been displayed inthe display blocks 28, the current game results in no-winning, andpayout of coins is not conducted.

Returning to FIG. 11, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not thespecial symbol has been displayed in the display blocks 28 (step S41).When determining in step S41 that no special symbol has been displayedin the display blocks 28, the main CPU 41 shifts the processing to stepS47. On the other hand, when determining in step S41 that the specialsymbol has been displayed in the display blocks 28, the main CPU 41shifts the processing to step S42.

The main CPU 41 determines whether or not there is the payout patternwith the odds number drawn thereon among the payout patternsstop-displayed in the payout display flames 201 (step S42). In theprocessing, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not the code No. ofthe payout pattern corresponding to the odds number has been determinedin step S13. When determining in step S42 no payout pattern with theodds number drawn thereon is stop-displayed, the main CPU 41 shifts theprocessing to step S43.

The main CPU 41 determines the total sum of the payout numbers drawn onthe payout patterns stop-displayed in the payout display frames 201 asthe amount of special payout (step S43). Then, the main CPU 41 storesthe determined amount of special payout in the RAM 43.

On the other hand, when determining in step S42 that the payout patternwith the odds number drawn thereon is stop-displayed, the main CPU 41calculates the total sum of the payout numbers drawn on the payoutpatterns stop-displayed in the payout display frames 201 (step S44).Then, the main CPU 41 stores the calculated total sum in the RAM 43.

Next, the main CPU 41 determines as the amount of special payout, thenumerical value obtained by multiplying the total sum calculated in stepS44 by the odds number drawn on the payout pattern stop-displayed in thepayout display frame 201 (step S45). Then, the main CPU 41 stores thedetermined amount of special payout in the RAM 43.

The main CPU 41 displays the amount of special payout determined in stepS43 or step S45 to the lower image display panel 16 (step S46). In thisprocessing, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 1D, anamount-of-special-payout determination image 203 indicating that 400coins will be paid out as the special payout is displayed below thesymbol matrix SM.

The main CPU 41 pays out coins based on the amount of normal payoutdetermined in step S40 and/or the amount of special payout determined instep S43 or step S45 (step S47).

As described above, according to the slot machine 10 of the firstembodiment, the special symbol having a plurality of payout patternseach with the payout number indicative of the payout value or the oddsnumber indicative of the payout odds is rearranged to the lower imagedisplay panel 16, as well as the normal symbol. Then, in the case thatthe special symbol is rearranged to the lower image display panel 16,payout patterns having been variably displayed therein arestop-displayed, and based on the payout number and the odds number onthe payout pattern stop-displayed in the payout display frame 201, theamount of special payout is determined. Namely, even when the specialsymbol is rearranged to the lower image display panel 16, the payoutvalue is not uniquely determined, but the payout value is varieddepending on the payout number or the odds number on the payout patternstop-displayed in the payout display frame 201, out of the plurality ofpayout patterns included in the special symbol. This prevents games frombecoming monotonous, so that the player hardly gets bored.

Further, since the payout number indicative of the payout value or theodds number indicative of the payout odds is drawn on the payoutpattern, the player can recognize the payout value easily.

Furthermore, not only the payout number indicative of the payout value,but also the odds number indicative of the payout odds is drawn on thepayout pattern, and in the case that the payout pattern with the oddsnumber drawn thereon is stop-displayed, there is a possibility that theamount of special payout is significantly increased. Accordingly, theplayer can be excited about whether or not the payout pattern with theodds number drawn thereon is to be stop-displayed, and also, the playercan be absorbed in the game.

Moreover, since a plurality of the special symbols are provided, it ispossible to increase the interesting aspect of the game. Further, sincethe payout pattern with the odds number drawn thereon is surelyprovided, it is possible to make the player have a sense of expectancyfor stop-display of the payout pattern with the odds number drawnthereon, and also to make the player play the game for a long period oftime.

In addition, the payout pattern with the payout number drawn thereon isstop-displayed in at least one special symbol. Therefore, it is possibleto prevent the case that only the payout pattern with the odds numberdrawn thereon is stop-displayed and the amount of special payout cannotbe determined, and also prevent losing the player's motivation.

Second Embodiment

In the first embodiment, there has been described a case where thespecial symbols are rearranged in the display blocks 28 in a state wherepayout patterns are scroll-displayed therein. In the second embodiment,when the special symbols are rearranged in the display blocks 28, payoutpatterns are stop-displayed therein, and the payout patterns arescroll-displayed and then stop-displayed therein, in the case that thespecial symbols in number equal to or more than the fixed number arerearranged in the display blocks 28. Further, the amount of specialpayout is determined only when the special symbols in number equal to ormore than the fixed number are rearranged in the display blocks 28. Theother configurations of the second embodiment are substantially the sameas those of the first embodiment, and therefore, only scroll-displaycontrol processing and payout processing which are characteristic partsof the second embodiment will be described hereinafter.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of the scroll-displaycontrol processing according to the second embodiment.

The processing is called and executed in step S14 of the subroutineillustrated in FIG. 8.

At first, the main CPU 41 starts scroll-display of all symbols includedin the symbol matrix SM to the lower image display panel 16 (step S60).Next, the main CPU 41 rearranges symbols based on the code Nos. for therespective columns of symbols determined in step S13 (step S61).

In the case that the special symbol is rearranged, payout patterns arescroll-displayed in the special symbol.

The main CPU 41 determines whether or not the special symbols in numberequal to or more than the fixed number have been rearranged in step S61(step S62). When determining in step S62 that the special symbols innumber equal to or more than the fixed number have not been rearranged,the main CPU 41 terminates the present subroutine. On the other hand,when determining in step S62 that the special symbols in number equal toor more than the fixed number have been rearranged, the main CPU 41shifts the processing to step S63.

The main CPU 41 displays, in a scrolling manner, the payout patternsdisplayed in the special symbols (step S63). Further, the main CPU 41stop-displays the payout patterns based on the code Nos. of the payoutpatterns of the respective special symbols determined in step S13 (stepS64).

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of the payoutprocessing according to the second embodiment.

This processing is processing which is called and executed in step S16of the subroutine illustrated in FIG. 8.

At first, the main CPU 41 determines the amount of normal payout basedon the normal symbols (step S70). Then, the main CPU 41 stores thedetermined amount of normal payout in the RAM 43. The processing in stepS70 is the same processing as that in the first embodiment and thedescription thereof will not be repeated here.

The main CPU 41 determines whether or not the special symbols in numberequal to or more than the fixed number have been displayed in thedisplay blocks 28 (step S71). When determining in step S71 that thespecial symbols in number equal to or more than the fixed number havenot been displayed in the display blocks 28, the main CPU 41 shifts theprocessing to step S77. On the other hand, when determining in step S71that the special symbols in number equal to or more than the fixednumber have been displayed in the display blocks 28, the main CPU 41shifts the processing to step S72.

The main CPU 41 determines whether or not there is a payout pattern withthe odds number drawn thereon among the payout patterns stop-displayedin the payout display frames 201 (step S72). In the processing, the mainCPU 41 determines whether or not the code No. of the payout patterncorresponding to the odds number has been determined. When determiningthat there is no payout pattern with the odds number drawn thereon, themain CPU 41 shifts the processing to step S73.

The main CPU 41 determines as the amount of special payout, the totalsum of the payout numbers drawn on the payout patterns stop-displayed inthe payout frames 201 (step S73). Then, the main CPU 41 stores thedetermined amount of special payout in the RAM 43.

On the other hand, when determining in step S72 that there is the payoutpattern with the odds number drawn thereon, the main CPU 41 calculatesthe total sum of the payout numbers drawn on the payout patternsstop-displayed in the payout display frames 201 (step S74). Then, themain CPU 41 stores the calculated total sum in the RAM 43.

Next, the main CPU 41 determines as the amount of special payout, thenumerical value obtained by multiplying the total sum calculated in stepS74 by the odds number drawn on the payout pattern stop-displayed in thepayout display frame 201 (step S75). Then, the main CPU 41 stores thedetermined amount of special payout in the RAM 43.

The main CPU 41 displays to the lower image display panel 16 the amountof special payout determined in step S73 or step S75 (step S76). In theprocessing, as shown in FIG. 1D, for example, theamount-of-special-payout determination image 203 indicating that 400coins are to be paid out as the special payout is displayed below thesymbol matrix SM.

The main CPU 41 pays out coins based on the amount of normal payoutdetermined in step S70, and/or the amount of special payout determinedin step S73 or step S75 (step S77).

As described above, according to the slot machine 10 of the secondembodiment, the special symbols having a plurality of the payoutpatterns each with a payout number indicative of the payout value or theodds number indicative of the payout odds, as well as normal symbols,are rearranged to the lower image display panel 16. Further, in the casethat the special symbols in number equal to or more than the fixednumber are rearranged to the lower image display panel 16, the payoutpatterns are variably displayed and then stop-displayed therein, andbased on the payout number and the odds number drawn on the payoutpatterns stop-displayed in the payout display frames 201, the amount ofspecial payout is determined. Namely, even when the special symbols arerearranged to the lower image display panel 16, in the case that thenumber of the special symbols rearranged to the lower image displaypanel 16 is not equal to or more than the fixed number, the payoutpatterns are not variably displayed therein, and the amount of specialpayout is not determined. This can strongly impress the existence of thespecial symbols on the player.

Further, even when the payout patterns are variably displayed in specialsymbols, the payout value is not uniquely determined, but the payoutvalue is varied depending on the payout number and the odds number onthe payout patterns stop-displayed in the payout display frames 201, outof the plurality of the payout patterns included in the special symbols.This prevents games from becoming monotonous, so that the player hardlygets bored.

Further, since the payout number indicative of the payout value or theodds number indicative of the payout odds is drawn on the payoutpattern, the player can easily recognize the payout value.

Furthermore, not only the payout number indicative of the payout value,but also the odds number indicative of the payout odds is drawn on thepayout pattern, and in the case that the payout pattern with the oddsnumber drawn thereon is stop-displayed, there is a possibility that theamount of special payout is significantly increased. Accordingly, theplayer can be excited about whether or not the payout pattern with theodds number drawn thereon is to be stop-displayed, and also, the playercan be absorbed in the game.

Further, while there has been described a case where the number of typesof the special symbols is two in the present embodiment, there is noparticular limitation on the number of types of the special symbols inthe present invention, and for example, the number of types of thespecial symbols may be five.

Further, while there has been described a case where the fixed number ispreliminarily determined in the present embodiment, a plurality of fixednumbers may be provided and a single fixed number may be selected out ofthe plurality of fixed numbers through a lottery in the presentinvention.

Further, although, in the present invention, there has been describedthe case where the slot machine 10 is a video slot machine, the gamingapparatus according to the present invention may be a mechanical slotmachine including reels.

Although the present invention has been described with reference toembodiments thereof, these embodiments merely illustrate concreteexamples, not restrict the present invention. The concrete structures ofrespective means and the like can be designed and changed as required.Furthermore, there have been merely described most preferable effects ofthe present invention, as the effects of the present invention, in theembodiments of the present invention. The effects of the presentinvention are not limited to those described in the embodiments of thepresent invention.

Further, in the aforementioned detailed description, characteristicportions have been mainly described, for ease of understanding thepresent invention. The present invention is not limited to theembodiments described in the aforementioned detailed description, butcan be also applied to other embodiments over a wider range ofapplications. Further, the terms and phrases used in the presentspecification have been used for clearly describing the presentinvention, not for limiting the interpretation of the present invention.Further, those skilled in the art will easily conceive other structures,systems, methods and the like which are included in the concept of thepresent invention, from the concept of the present invention describedin the present specification. Accordingly, the description of the claimsis intended to include equivalent structures that fall within thetechnical scope of the invention. Further, the abstract aims at enablingengineers and the like who belong to the present technical field but arenot familiar with the patent office and public institutions, the patent,law terms and technical terms to immediately understand the technicalcontent and the essence of the present application through briefstudies. Accordingly, the abstract is not intended to restrict the scopeof the invention which should be evaluated from the description of theclaims. It is desirable that literatures and the like which have beenalready disclosed are sufficiently studied and understood, in order tosufficiently understand the objects of the present invention and thespecific effects of the present invention.

In the aforementioned detailed description, there have been describedprocessing to be executed by computers. The aforementioned descriptionand expressions have been described for the sake of enabling thoseskilled in the art to understand the present invention most effectively.In the present specification, each step for deriving a single resultshould be understood to be self-consistent processing. Further, eachstep includes transmission, reception, recording and the like ofelectric or magnetic signals. Although, in the processing at each step,such signals have been expressed as bits, values, symbols, characters,terms, numerical characters and the like, it should be noticed that theyhave been merely used for convenience of description. Further, althoughthe processing at each step was described using expressions common tohuman behaviors in some cases, the processing described in the presentspecification are to be executed by various types of devices, inprinciple. Further, other structures required for conducting each stepwill be apparent from the aforementioned description.

1. A slot machine comprising: a display for arranging thereto a normalsymbol and a special symbol having a plurality of payout patterns eachwith a payout number indicative of a payout value or with an odds numberindicative of payout odds; and a controller, said controller programmedto execute processing of (A) rearranging said normal symbol and/or saidspecial symbol to said display, (B) stop-displaying said payout patternshaving been variably displayed, in the case that said special symbol hasbeen rearranged to said display in said processing (A), (C) determiningan amount of normal payout based on a number of said normal symbol foreach type, said normal symbol having been rearranged in said processing(A), and (D) determining an amount of special payout based on saidpayout number and said odds number on said payout pattern stop-displayedin said processing (B).
 2. The slot machine according to claim 1,wherein a plurality of types of said special symbols are provided, andat least a single type of said special symbol having at least one payoutpattern with said odds number drawn thereon is provided.
 3. The slotmachine according to claim 1, wherein said processing (B) includesprocessing of (B-1) stop-displaying, in the case that said specialsymbol is rearranged to said display in said processing (A), said payoutpattern with said payout number drawn thereon in at least one specialsymbol, out of said special symbol stop-displayed in said processing(A).
 4. A slot machine comprising: a display for arranging thereto anormal symbol and a special symbol having a plurality of payout patternseach with a payout number indicative of a payout value or with an oddsnumber indicative of payout odds; and a controller, said controllerprogrammed to execute processing of (A) rearranging said normal symboland/or said special symbol having said payout patterns stop-displayedtherein to said display, (B) determining whether or not said specialsymbol in number equal to or more than a fixed number has beenrearranged to said display in said processing (A), (C) stop-displayingsaid payout patterns after a variable display thereof, when determiningin said processing (B) that said special symbol in number equal to ormore than the fixed number has been rearranged, (D) determining anamount of normal payout based on a number of said normal symbol for eachtype, said normal symbol having been rearranged in said processing (A),and (E) determining an amount of special payout based on said payoutnumber and said odds number on said payout pattern stop-displayed insaid processing (C).
 5. A control method of a slot machine, said controlmethod comprising steps of: (A) rearranging to a display a normal symboland/or a special symbol having a plurality of payout patterns each witha payout number indicative of a payout value or a odds number indicativeof payout odds; (B) stop-displaying said payout patterns having beenvariably displayed, in the case that said special symbol has beenrearranged to said display in said step (A); (C) determining an amountof normal payout based on a number of said normal symbol for each type,said normal symbol having been rearranged in said step (A), and (D)determining an amount of special payout based on said payout number andsaid odds number on said payout pattern stop-displayed in said step (B).